Ways to Give Your Child a Preschool Education on a Budget

Preschool can be a wonderful experience for your child--if you find the right program that he/she will enjoy and that won't leave you broke. When did pre-schooling become luxury? We all know that kids need social interaction, but the cost of preschools now days are so high that a lot of people can't afford it.

Fortunately I was able to find alternatives to traditional preschools that will provide your child with intellectual and social interaction without dealing a death blow to the family budget.

We live in a big city so I spent a lot of time researching preschools that would be good for my daughter. I was looking for a part-time program (2-3 times per week, no more than three hours a day) that would be fun, safe and beneficial for her. After visiting and talking with different schools, I realized that the main purpose for many of them was just to make money. I couldn't find anything decent in my area that cost less than $400 a month for two days per week--some schools were actually asking as much as $1,200 per month for the same hours!

I know that if you live in the suburbs the cost is a little bit less, but given our location I needed to make the best out of the situation. My daughter is bilingual so I never wanted to put her in school full-time, because it's very important to us that she speaks both languages fluently.  Plus I love spending time with her.

I had to look into alternative ways to find good programs for her--something that she would enjoy doing and that wouldn't break the bank. I understand that not everyone is in a situation where they can put their child in a part-time program but if you are, here are some tips and suggestions for part-time preschool alternatives:

1. Check with your local parks and see if they have any programs available. The city of West Hollywood, for example, has a really good preschool program for kids ages 3.5 - 5.5 years-old in the afternoon for three hours and it only costs $150 for three months. Their teachers are super sweet and their program is educational and fun. The only catch is that you have to actually live in the city of West Hollywood to get in and it's a lottery system. We used to take mommy and me classes there and I had a great experience.


2. If you have some free time, co-ops are awesome. I checked out few and they are really great. You have to commit to help out at school, attend regular meetings and keep school clean and organized, but the fees are much lower and you get to be involved in your child's education and I think that's always a big plus.


3. Gymboree Play and Music offers a great class called School Skills. It's a two hour drop-off class, but it costs less (about $250 for two times per week comparing to $400 per week). You can also cancel anytime as opposed to a lot of preschools which require a one year commitment.


4. If you are a member of a YMCA, they offer tons of free classes like art, yoga, ballet and gymnastics. Your child will meet new friends, learn some new skills and have fun. And that's what preschool should be all about!


5. Find a group of parents who are in a similar situation and organize regular play dates and field trips. We are doing field trips every Friday and my daughter loves it. We go to museums, zoo, botanical gardens, at the beach, hiking etc. Plus most of those activities are free to do--even some museums.

If you don't really need to put your child in a full-time daycare or preschool (if you don't work full time or don't have other obligations), find a part-time program that your child will like instead. It doesn't need to be a traditional preschool if you can't afford it. Find different classes that your child can attend on their own for couple of hours and they will get the same experience.

And remember paying more doesn't always mean getting more.